Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Fontana is 85% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,733/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 27%
$98,187/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 34%
$558,500 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 63%
$1,990/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 41%
211,921
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $32,995/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Fontana or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Dearborn?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Dearborn?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $32,995/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Dearborn

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa